Harborough rural bus service has been saved for at least another year

The no 747, which runs between Leicester and Uppingham, is a vital lifeline to older residents, especially, in several district villages.

Leicestershire and Rutland County Councils have now agreed to fund the service for the next 12 months after sealing a deal with operator Centrebus.

And that will be music to the ears of regular passengers in Thurnby, Bushby, Houghton on the Hill and Billesdon.

Villagers there have been desperately fighting for months to reprieve their beloved bus from the dreaded axe.

They depend on the no 747 week in week out to get out and visit families and friends around the area as well as to do their shopping.

Cllr Blake Pain, cabinet member for environment and transport at Leicestershire County Council, said: “We have been carefully reviewing all the bus services which we support, in line with our Passenger Transport Policy and Strategy to ensure that we are providing fit for purpose and cost effective services.

“I am pleased that we have worked alongside Rutland County Council to continue to support the service to these communities for the foreseeable future.”